A Comparative Analysis of Dielectric Fill Material for X Band Antenna and Subsystem using Scattering Parameters

There are different dielectric materials which are used as radome for antenna, fill material, lens for antenna and shielding for microwave devices. Selection of a particular material is a key role in microwave system design. In this paper the performance of Dielectric material is evaluated. This material is made in laboratory using two chemicals namely ECOPUF POLYOL and PUFATE ISOCYANATE, which is termed as "Puff". Using X band waveguide, the scattering parameters of Waveguide when Puff is covered is compared with different standard dielectric material which were loading/covering over waveguide. The use of Puff material as antenna fill and RF circuit potting is evaluated. Change in performance of conical horn antenna, patch antenna and its RF electronics after filling Puff is evaluated. This analysis will help in material selection for antenna /waveguide fill application. Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) was used for recording S parameter, Spectrum analyzer for RF circuitry measurement and thermal oven to evaluate operating temperature range.